Overview
Gain the skills to operate boiler plants in a safe and efficient manner.
In Manitoba, a 5th Class Power Engineer is a certified occupation responsible for the operation and maintenance of boiler plants. 5th Class Power Engineers are focused on ensuring general plant or facility upkeep and safety, as well as maintaining the appropriate level of human comfort. Persons in this field work with and maintain a variety of equipment, such as: pumps, fans, air compressors, motors, air conditioning systems, and refrigeration devices. Other duties may include coordination and scheduling of maintenance staff, management of contractors, and communication with tenants and provincial authorities as necessary.
The rating requirements and licensing of power engineers is regulated by Inspection and Technical Services Manitoba, under the Office of the Fire Commissioner of the Province of Manitoba. Additionally, all workers within this field and subject to the guidelines of the Power Engineers Act and Regulations.
If you have an interest or an aptitude in working with mechanical equipment, or are looking for a hands-on career that incorporates elements of engineering, a career in 5th Class Power Engineering is something for you to seriously consider.
Program duration: Within just 15 weeks our program, which is recognized as Advanced Status through the Office of the Fire Commissioner, will have you fully trained and qualified to take your certifying examinations through the Office. Red River College Polytechnic is the only institution in the province with the Advanced Status designation.
Jump into the workforce sooner and grow your career with this full-time Fast-Track program from Red River College Polytechnic.
- 15-week Certificate program
- Entry date: January
- Blended Delivery
- Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
Description
This program will provide you with the skills required to operate and maintain boilers and related mechanical equipment such as air compressors, generators, motors, turbines, air conditioning units, refrigeration equipment, and steam or hot water boilers to provide utilities such as light, heat, climate control or power for buildings and industrial processes.
The rating requirements and licensing of engineers are regulated by the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner under The Power Engineers Act and Regulations. In Manitoba and Winnipeg in particular, Fifth Class power engineers operate mainly in heating and air conditioning equipment, and in some facilities, in refrigeration.
Admission Requirements
Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit
My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
- Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
- Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
- Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
- Grade 12
- Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12
- If you provide proof of enrolment at the time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
- If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
and
- English Language Requirements (ELRs)
- Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
Have I successfully completed the equivalent of 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction? To view a list of ELR exempt countries click here. - If YES, you appear to meet English language requirements. Submit your transcripts for verification purposes.
or - If NO, you are required to submit proof of meeting an ELRs option. If you choose to complete an English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
or - If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not complete 3 years of high school, submit your transcripts* for review.
- * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.
- Academic Requirement
- High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
- Grade 12 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (40S)
- Grade 11 Physics or Chemistry (30S)
- If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
- If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
and
- Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2
English Language Assessments
The College reserves the right to modify this information without notice or prejudice.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS MUST BE DATED NO MORE THAN TWO YEARS PRIOR TO YOUR APPLICATION DATE!
| English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels |
|---|
| L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
|---|
| AEPUCE
(Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available. | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| CAEL and CAEL Online
(Canadian Academic English Language)
| 60 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| CLB (LINC)
(Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available. | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
Duolingo
(Duolingo English Test)
* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.
There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.
Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted. | 0* | 0* | 0* | 0* |
| IELTS - Academic
(International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| PTE - Academic Online Assessment
(Pearson Test of English)
| 58 | 50 | 58 | 50 |
| Password Skills
(An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room.
Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor.
If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
| 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Password Skills Plus
(Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
| 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| TOEFL-iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. | 20 | 18 | 19 | 21 |
Who Should Enrol?
Power engineers are responsible for the maintenance and repair of major equipment, including very complex machinery.
You should be mechanically inclined and physically mobile. You should be prepared to work at heights and in temperature extremes, noisy conditions, confined spaces, damp locations, and related conditions. You should be prepared to work shift-work and holidays because power plants generally operate seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
You should have a foundational background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Most students find Power Engineering Technology to be academically demanding; therefore, you should be prepared to set aside time on a regular basis to complete projects and assignments outside of daily class hours.
Locations, Dates and Fees
Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)
| Location |
Start Date |
Apply Link |
| Notre Dame Campus |
Jan 06, 2025 |
Apply Now |
Costs (estimates only; subject to change)
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program.
For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685,
or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca,
which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit
one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres
or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan
applications well in advance of the class start date.
Courses and Descriptions
(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution,
other RPL processes are available for
RPL courses.
Click here for more information.
For courses with no
RPL, please check
www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More InformationEveryone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry.
ELEC-1043Electricity
More InformationIn this course you will gain an introduction to electricity, an understanding of lighting systems, emergency generators and electrical safety. Time will be spent explaining operations, sample circuits, switches and fuses. As part of this course you will learn about boiler controls; lower water fuel cutoffs operation and testing, heating boiler feedwater controls and operating and combustion controls as well as safety interlocks.
ENGI-1130Refrigeration, Air Compression, Air Conditioning and Comfort
More InformationIn this course you will examine heat gains and losses in buildings as well as steam heating equipment, systems, and operations. Hot Water heating systems will also be examined as well as ventilation fans and air filters. Refrigeration will be examined in terms of all components and operations.
ENGI-1131Boiler Pumps, Piping and Safety
More InformationIn this course you will learn about pumps, piping, and valves. You will gain an appreciation for the types of pumps, pump components, and operation and maintenance. You will also discuss piping materials and connections, and types, operation, and maintenance of steam traps. A review of the different types of boilers will be included in this course.
ENGI-1132Boiler Safety
More InformationThis courses focuses in on the safety of the building and its occupants. Included in this course is fire safety which covers classes of fires, types, and operation of extinguishers. As well, you will be exposed to building and occupant safety, confined space entry, and safe storage of flammables. Your WHMIS training will be expanded with classification of controlled products, labeling of controlled products and material safety data sheets. You will be exposed to personal safety equipment and the occupational health and safety legislation.
ENGI-1133Math and Science
More InformationThis course combines an introduction to applied science, relevant acts and codes, thermodynamics, and math. You will gain an understanding of what is thermodynamics and properties of steam and refrigerants. An introduction to CSA and ASME codes for power and heating boilers will be explored as well as an understanding of the safety codes act and applicable regulations.
ENGI-1134Boiler Drawings, Details and Operation
More InformationThis course examines many different aspects of welding and plumbing, Boiler Fittings and Boiler Operation, maintenance, and water treatment. You will examine the basic fittings for steam heating boilers and the operation and testing of boiler safety valves, boiler gauge glass and water columns. You will learn common welding terms and inspection techniques. As well an examination of building water supply systems will be observed.
ENGI-1135Power Engineering Lab 5
More InformationYou will have an opportunity to take the theory you learned in the other courses and come into a working power engineering lab and work with your hands on different piping projects. Learn proper and safe startup and operation of gas boilers, hot water heaters, and gas makeup units. Refrigeration will be explored on actual equipment where you will learn proper startup and operation of the equipment. Chillers and cooling towers will be explored, explained and maintained. You will also have an opportunity to take apart, put together and test steam traps.
SAFE-1028WHMIS
More InformationThe Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.
SEMR-9209General Safety Training
More InformationThis General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.
Computer/Laptop Requirements
Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:
1. Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam
2. A high speed internet connection
• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.
Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.
Transfer Credit Opportunities
Inspection and Technical Services (ITS) is responsible for the
examination, certification and licensing of individuals performing
regulated work such as installation, maintenance, alteration, etc., for
various equipment, devices or systems. ITS issues Power Engineer
Certificates and Licences.
For more information about Trades Examinations, Certifications & Licensing, contact:
Inspection & Technical Services
508-401 York Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8
204-945-3373
TechnicalServices@gov.mb.ca
ITSTrades@gov.mb.ca
https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/its/index.htmlRecognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.
Graduation Requirements
For students registered in the Power Engineering 5th class program, the requirements to graduate are as follows:
• A minimum grade of C in each of the Core/Compulsory courses in the program content
• A minimum program GPA of 2.00
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
